Navigating Rights and Responsibilities: A Landlord-Tenant Guide in Ghana
Renting a place to live involves a mutual agreement between a landlord and a tenant, governed by the regulations of the Rent Act in Ghana. This act meticulously outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, and it's crucial for both landlords and tenants to understand these obligations. A Tenancy Agreement, signed by both parties, serves as the legal framework that regulates their interactions throughout the tenancy.
Tenant's Responsibilities:
Timely Rent Payment: Tenants are obligated to pay rent promptly and in the prescribed manner, as specified in the Tenancy Agreement.
Property Maintenance: It is the tenant's responsibility to maintain the property and its immediate surroundings in a clean and well-kept condition.
Noise Control: Tenants should be considerate of their neighbors and maintain a noise level that does not disrupt others.
Damage Repairs: Any damages to the apartment caused by the tenant, their family members, or guests must be repaired at the tenant's expense. Major damages should be promptly reported to the landlord.
Landlord's Access: Tenants are required to grant the landlord reasonable access to the apartment with advance notice for inspection and necessary repairs.
Notification of Prolonged Absence: If a tenant plans to be away from the apartment for an extended period, they should inform the landlord to ensure the property's security.
Move-Out Procedures: Upon vacating the property, tenants must provide the required advance notice and return the property in the same condition as when they moved in. Keys and entry codes should also be promptly returned to the landlord.
Reporting Necessary Repairs: If the apartment requires repairs not caused by the tenant, the issue should be reported to the landlord immediately.
Landlord's Responsibilities:
Tenantable Condition: Before a tenant moves in, the landlord must ensure that the property is in a habitable condition. This includes addressing issues such as roof leakages and maintaining the property's appearance.
Common Areas Maintenance: For properties with multiple tenancies, landlords are responsible for keeping common areas like hallways, stairs, yards, and entryways clean and well-maintained.
Utility Provision: Landlords must ensure that all essential utilities and services, whether publicly provided or supplied by the landlord, are operational and accessible for the tenant's use.
Tax and Rate Payments: It is the landlord's duty to promptly pay all taxes and rates associated with the property, such as property rates, rent tax, and ground rent, when due. Property rates are typically paid by the property owner to the Municipal or District assemblies in the property's location, not the occupier.
Compliance with Regulations: Landlords must adhere to all health, safety, housing, and building standards and regulations applicable to the property.
For a comprehensive understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a landlord or tenant in Ghana, as well as access to a wide range of real estate services, visit Sphynx Properties. Our experienced team is here to assist you with all your real estate needs.
